Boy Injured By Acid Thrown In His Face As He Walked In Woods

A teenage boy suffered 'horrendous' injuries that could leave him blind after acid was thrown into his face while he walked in woodland.

The unnamed 16-year-old boy is being treated at a specialist hospital in London and it is feared he could be permanently disfigured after suffering severe burns to his face, including his eyes, and upper body.

The teenager was left writhing in agony on the pathway as the acid burnt through his clothes and skin.

Two men have been arrested by detectives investigating the chemical attack, which happened in darkness as the boy walked near woods in his hometown of Yateley, near Farnborough, Hampshire.

The 46-year-old man from Yateley and a 33-year-old man from Farnborough have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Darren Barrett, the senior investigating officer, said: "This was a terrifying attack which has left the victim with horrendous injuries.

"He is currently receiving specialist treatment in hospital and his family are at his bedside. This is not believed to have been a random attack."

He added: "I would appeal to the local community to think hard about anything they might know or have heard about this incident and to contact my team with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem."